The sociology scholars say a growing body of Americans...

May 9, 1986|By L.M. Boyd

The sociology scholars say a growing body of Americans think the arranged marriage is not bad but good. The young woman, typically, knows how to find a man but not necessarily a stable lifetime mate. If her parents pick her partner, they say, her chances for lengthy contentment and security improve considerably. Surely you have an opinion on this.

What would you say has been the most widely quoted poem in America during the last 100 years? Musical lyrics don't count, please note. The distinction purportedly goes to that old-timey humorous verse called ''The Purple Cow.'' If you don't know how it goes, ask your granddad.

Over the entrance of the Chateau of Messilhac near Aurignac, France, is this inscription: ''If you come here without bearing a gift, please depart quickly through the front door.''

Q. Zane Grey was not the only American writer called Zane. But I'll bet you a quarter on the corner you can't come up with the other one?

A. Tedious lengthy research long ago revealed that the real name of dime western writer Ned Buntline was Edward Zane Carroll Judson. Pay up. You know Buntline, don't you? He was the fellow who made Buffalo Bill famous.

Q. How far should a runner run to prepare for a marathon?

A. At least 40 miles a week for at least six weeks, according to those who purport to know.

A few Orthodox Brahmans in Asia take baths immediately after they get letters from the United States. I say a few, not because there are only a few true believers, but because not all that many Orthodox Brahmans get letters from the United States. What they fear is pollution from animal flesh.

The ancient Greeks practiced hypnosis, too, but they called it ''dream healing.''